Jamie Oliver's Restaurant Revival Impresses Food Critic with Classic Pasta
Content creator Gary Hanna, known online as Gary Eats, recently visited the newly reopened Jamie's Italian restaurant in London's West End and was left "seriously surprised" by the experience. The chain, which collapsed over seven years ago resulting in 22 closures and 1,000 job losses, has been revived through a partnership with Brava Hospitality Group, the firm behind Prezzo Italian. The revamped restaurant opened on March 9, promising traditional pasta meals at affordable prices.
First Impressions and Ambiance
In footage from his visit, Gary remarked on the restaurant's layout, noting, "First impressions, I like the restaurant, you go inside, really, really fantastic, lots of seating, it's on three floors." He also highlighted the opportunity to perch at the bar and observe chefs at work, adding that prices appeared to be "a pound cheaper" compared to neighbouring eateries in the area.
Starter Delights
Gary was particularly taken with his burrata starter, a mozzarella and cream-based creation, and the garlic prawns. He commented, "Beautiful prawns, on the menu it says garlic-y prawns, there's lots of olive oil and it's not overpowered on the garlic, that is good." He also commended the "crispy focaccia," determining that the selection of starters he sampled were "surprisingly very good."
Main Course and Bolognese Review
For his main course, Gary selected the pork and beef bolognese, a choice inspired by Jamie Oliver's admission that he "got the basics wrong" during his initial management of the chain. Gary explained, "I know, I know, bolognese is not the most adventurous but in the past Jamie got the basics wrong, so I thought I'd go for something basic." He was impressed with the presentation and noted it "smelled absolutely awesome," praising the in-house pasta.
Initially, Gary found the dish "a bit on the bland side," but believed it improved significantly after adding parmesan. He observed, "That's giving a nice degree of saltiness with the ragu. It's clinging to the pasta beautifully."
Service and Overall Experience
Beyond the cuisine, Gary pointed out that staff had "a smile on their faces" and praised the chefs for doing "an amazing job." Reflecting on the chain's past struggles, he suggested that Jamie Oliver had "over-expanded" previously, "losing control of his empire." Gary explained, "What happens when you lose control, standards drop, you're not able to produce the food, everything from the kitchen staff to the front of house, it starts dropping. Last time when I went to Jamie Oliver's I was disappointed, I was very disappointed and that seems to be the running theme. Over-expansion goes wrong no matter who you are."
Final Bill and Conclusion
Gary disclosed his final bill came to £44.63 with service charge included. He wrapped up his review by saying, "All together, that has surprised me. That has surprised me, well done, it's a new restaurant and it's opened in style to me." Following the announcement of the restaurant's reopening, Jamie Oliver expressed, "I'm beyond excited to be opening Jamie's Italian doors once again - it's been quite the journey, but I'm truly humbled by the support you've shown us over the years."
